Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye Whiskey
Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye Whiskey is a 52.5% ABV (105 proof) blend of four straight rye mashbills — a high-rye marriage of Indiana, West Virginia, and Tennessee stocks, non-chill filtered and bottled in small numbered batches. The official tasting notes promise tropical fruit, cream soda, brown baking spices, and garden herbs, in this 750mL bottle. Order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 52.5% (105 proof) — NOT 92 proof (that is Contradiction Bourbon)
- Size: 750mL — small numbered batches, non-chill filtered
- Blend: Four straight rye mashbills — IN 95% rye, WV 88% rye (own distillate), TN 70% rye, TN 51% rye
- Origin: Smooth Ambler Spirits, Maxwelton, West Virginia (now Pernod Ricard USA)
- Awards: Gold — 2024 World Whiskies Awards (Taste)
Four Mashbills, One Contradiction
The contradiction in the name is the blend itself: whiskey Smooth Ambler distills in the West Virginia mountains married to ryes the team loves from other distilleries — "four mashbills in one," per the brand. A 95%-rye Indiana bruiser, the distillery's own 88%-rye West Virginia make, and two Tennessee ryes at 70% and 51% rye, all bottled at a full 105 proof without chill filtration. The formula earned Gold at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards. Find it among the rye whiskeys, or explore the Smooth Ambler portfolio.
Tasting Notes
Official notes: tropical fruit, cream soda, brown baking spices, garden herbs — "bold spice, long finish, balanced and rich." Trade detail adds golden-bronze color, nutmeg and strawberry aromatics, a creamy spicy palate with mint and orange zest, and a long toasted-oak and cinnamon close. Big, velvety, and unapologetically rye.
How to Enjoy
At 105 proof this is a whiskey that earns its water — start neat in a Glencairn, then add drops to find your proof. It is built for a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned (the spice stands up to vermouth and bitters), and the long finish makes it a slow-evening pour. A few drops of water opens the fruit; too much tames the rye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Contradiction Rye 92 or 105 proof?
105 proof / 52.5% ABV — the 92-proof figure belongs to Contradiction Bourbon, a different product.
What is in the Contradiction Rye blend?
Four straight rye mashbills: Indiana 95% rye, West Virginia 88% rye (Smooth Ambler's own distillate), Tennessee 70% rye, and Tennessee 51% rye.
Has Contradiction Rye won awards?
Gold at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards in the Taste category.
Four mashbills, full proof, award-winning — buy Smooth Ambler Contradiction Rye Whiskey online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.